Life insurance after cancer
The questions are about time since treatment ended, the type of cancer, and whether it has returned. Skin cancers other than melanoma are usually not counted at all.
What carriers ask
- Type of cancer and when it was diagnosed
- When treatment ended
- Whether it has recurred or spread
- Whether you are currently in treatment or awaiting results
What usually qualifies
Sometimes a level plan
Early-stage cancer treated more than two to three years ago with no recurrence. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer are typically ignored entirely.
Usually a graded plan
Cancer in remission for one to two years, or a cancer type carriers rate more cautiously.
Guaranteed issue
Active treatment, a diagnosis within the last year, a recurrence, or cancer that has spread.
What helps your application
- 01
The end-of-treatment date matters more than the diagnosis date. Have both.
- 02
Ongoing hormone therapy after breast or prostate cancer is treated as maintenance by many carriers, not active treatment. Ask before assuming.
- 03
If you are between a scan and a result, wait for the result. An honest answer to a pending-results question is a decline at most carriers.
Cancer history questions
I had a skin cancer removed. Do I have to report it?
Answer every question honestly. Most carriers only ask about melanoma and internal cancers, so basal or squamous cell removal usually does not affect the outcome.
Is guaranteed issue the only option during chemo?
For most carriers, yes. Coverage still starts immediately for accidental death, and the full benefit is in force after the waiting period.
Get a life insurance quote
A licensed agent calls you back, Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm PT. Health questions are asked on the call, never on this form.
A decline somewhere else is not the answer.
We quote the carriers that say yes.